“The Power of Patient Stories…” Meet Dr. Paul Griner on April 22

University of Rochester, Edward G. Miner Library, will host a book reading and signing on April 22, 2013, from 4-5 p.m. featuring Dr. Paul Griner. His book, “The Power of Patient Stories: Learning Moments in Medicine,” has been described as “a must for health professionals”; full of “awesome stories [and] wise teaching.”

Published in 2012, the book is a collection of over 50 patient stories accumulated by Dr. Griner throughout his prominent career in medicine. This compilation of stories (sometimes poignant, often humorous, but always with a lesson) teaches the value of communication skills, human relations, the roles of humor and faith, and the value of good bedside skills. The stories also provide insights into the ethical challenges that physicians face every day in the practice of medicine.

“It’s so easy to rely on technology that you forget that on the way to a blood test or CT scan is a real person with emotions, fears, hang ups, and worries. When that happens, it’s even easier to lose sight of empathy and compassion, traits that are crucial to the recovery of the whole patient” says Dr. Griner. “The remarkable advances in medical knowledge and technology must be matched with a human element that helps patients be seen as whole persons, physically, mentally and emotionally. It will bring them trust, peace of mind and a better quality of medicine.”

To quote Dr. Jeremiah Barondess, President Emeritus of The New York Academy of Medicine: “There are two kinds of educational experiences that are especially clear in medicine. One is explicit…the other is implicit, and involves exposure to the functioning, values and styles of master clinicians, lab chiefs and mentors. Of the two types, implicit educational experiences are far more powerful and lasting. Paul Griner’s book is an articulate collection of implicit educational experiences from a master physician, and offers rich opportunities for reflection on issues of deep importance in medicine. And it’s a great read!”

This event is free and open to the public.

About Miner Library

Edward G. Miner Library is an academic health sciences library serving the University of Rochester Medical Center, including the Eastman Dental Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Nursing, Strong Memorial Hospital, University Medical Faculty Group, and members of the public in the eleven county area surrounding Rochester, New York.